A friend of mine who makes fiddles has asked me to set up a website for him so I've been doing a bit of research on different makers' sites around the web. Very few of them seem to go beyond the 'glorified brochure' kind of website whereas I'm hoping to build something a bit more in-depth for my friend. In other words I'd like to offer more than just a little bit of information about the maker and some photos of their instruments.
So, that's where I'm hoping for some help from you fiddle folks ...
Imagine you're looking to buy a new fiddle and you've been given the website address for a maker. What are you hoping to find on the site? What kind of information do you expect? How much detail do you expect about the different materials used? e.g. the types of wood, where they were sourced. What kinds of thing can the website do to really convince you of a quality product? Is there anything that could be done to take you closer to the actual instrument? (I'm thinking here about interactivity, multimedia, etc.).
Thanks guys for any ideas! I'm hoping for some inspiration
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
It sounds like you're going through a pretty good thought process already. Alot of it's going to depend on the maker's demographic. If the violins are geared toward beginner to intermediate players, you're going to want a pretty basic website that is friendly to novice instrument buyers, where the instrument terminology is dumbed down a bit. If it's higher end instruments, then the site can be a bit more detailed in it's information, have lots of pictures of the manufacturing process, and all those details you're talking about, like wood sourcing and such, and the terminology can be a bit more geared to more experienced players. Now, if your friend makes a large range of instruments, then the site should probably be geared right from homepage to cater to both types of visitors.
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
I think it depends on what sort of fiddle maker he is - if he makes purely traditional instruments, then all that is expected is a brochure type site - anyone who is interested will already know what woods are used and where they come from. There's no point in describing the wonderful materials and tools he uses if they are exactly the same materials and tools every other violin maker uses.
Other than pictures and prices, the one thing people will look for is information about the maker himself - where he trained, how long he's been going, who plays his instruments. If he's just starting out and doesn't have anything to brag about in this department then it is going to be a struggle. The only thing that seems to counteract a lack of reputation is low prices.
But if he does anything out of the ordinary - unusual woods, 5 strings, home-made varnish or whatever, that needs describing in detail, and strong reasons given to justify it. Even then, I wouldn't let it dominate the site, I'd try to keep things looking as traditional as possible. Violinists are by and large a very conservative bunch, and if the first thing they see on a site isn't an absolutely traditional looking violin, they are likely to think 'nutcase' and click away without looking any further.
One thing you can do is to put up a few pages of general violin information - history of the instrument, set-up and maintenance advice, etc. It won't sell any violins, but it gives you a chance to include lots of juicy keywords for google to find, which will help bring traffic to the site even if it doesn't generate sales directly.
On the multimedia side, be very wary of sound-clips - a clip of a good instrument professionally played might help a sale, but a clip of a poor sounding instrument (or even a good one poorly played) is guaranteed to put people off.
Avoid flashy animation and gimmicks - keep it simple and fast loading (and whatever you do don't put background music on it - nothing makes people click away from a site faster).
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
>> Who'd buy a fiddle off a web site?
Not many people. What some might do, if they want a new fiddle, is to look at the websites of various makers to get some idea of who could do a decent job for them.
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
llig -
There are plenty of people who would, especially if it's a beginner looking for a beginning instrument. Seriously, if you're a parent buying a beginning instrument for a child and you have limited to no access to a reputable dealer that can help you, and you don't know how to play one to find out if it's good, then what's wrong with buying from a website?
But keep in mind that having a website doesn't necessarily mean people are buying off the site, it could just be for brand recognition. Many makers have a website mainly for informational purposes, but also provide a list of dealers that carry the instruments.
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Hi Jake,
What do you expect to see? If the person is a top maker, I would like sound files, with some very good players doing some greta things with a couple for simple tunes, if he sells violins as well then I would have different sound files.
I would list people who bought the instruments from your guy especially if they have made a name in music for themselves.
I would detail the string points of the product, whether that is tone or volume or something typical folksy.
I would go into the relative education and background of your guy and the important names that he went through building instruments. I would also mention prizes that the instrument maker has won (if any). If he enters competitions his name grows. Especially if he's successful.
I would then link to everyone who playss music to get him up high on Google and eep linking him, it will take about 6 months before it shows.
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
"hoping to build something a bit more in-depth..."
I would hope not to read meaningless phrases like this. Neither would I like animations or sound-files that play uninvited. Too much information is worse than too little on the home page. This site is an example of good. The BBC is an example of bad. Don't forget that the designer knows what is on there -- the newcomer is seeing it for the first time. I would like to see a selection of good quality pictures of his work in close-up, and information regarding his history. And whether he makes his own fittings and pegs or buys them in. A price list is helpful, as are likely waiting times, and whether he tailors instruments to the buyer's wishes. Sometimes when I see websites for the first time I am reminded of a railway station I once entered: there were signs everywhere for shops, cafes, lifts, carparks -- you name it. But what was missing was a big arrow and the words: To the Trains.
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
look up Scott Hershey Violins. He has a nice site. He's a master maker over here in the States, and what you will find is info on his upcoming violin making classes, any local happenings of interest to the local musician community, what 's on at his shop like any well known players he's making instruments for
that sort of stuff in addition to the usual shop hours and location
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Good to provide some "bait" something that makes the site worth looking at, and coming back to, even if you're not buying right now. Pics, articles, etc.
Helen Michetschlager's site does this with photos of instruments in progress, (generally an excellent site.)
On a TV programme about the Philharmonia orchestra years ago a viola player was commissioning a viola and she was talking to the maker. He was saying how instruments often increase in value when the maker is dead. "How are you feeling?" she asked. He didn't get it and was clearly puzzled by the question!
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
">> Who'd buy a fiddle off a web site?"
When you are talking about custom instruments, the answer is practically everyone.
If you are looking for someone to make you a fiddle and I recommend someone to you, what's the first thing you are going to do? Look him up on the interweb. And if what you see on his website doesn't appeal to you, you probably won't even bother talking to him, you will just look else where.
Certainly no one buys a hand-made instrument sight unseen, there is normally at least one face to face meeting before the sale is made, but first contact is almost always through the website these days, so a good website is absolutely vital.
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Fiddle making ~ pictures of the workshop, the maker, the making, the processes...and past instruments, finished works... Create something for more than just potential buyers, but also for those of all ages interested in the fine art of turning wood to music...
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
I think a series of pics of the glue shelf would be most appropriate.
Make sure your remove anything invented after 1600AD as this offends the fiddling family.
Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Hi there
A friend of mine who makes fiddles has asked me to set up a website for him so I've been doing a bit of research on different makers' sites around the web. Very few of them seem to go beyond the 'glorified brochure' kind of website whereas I'm hoping to build something a bit more in-depth for my friend. In other words I'd like to offer more than just a little bit of information about the maker and some photos of their instruments.
So, that's where I'm hoping for some help from you fiddle folks ...
Imagine you're looking to buy a new fiddle and you've been given the website address for a maker. What are you hoping to find on the site? What kind of information do you expect? How much detail do you expect about the different materials used? e.g. the types of wood, where they were sourced. What kinds of thing can the website do to really convince you of a quality product? Is there anything that could be done to take you closer to the actual instrument? (I'm thinking here about interactivity, multimedia, etc.).
Thanks guys for any ideas! I'm hoping for some inspiration
Cheers,
Jake
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by fiddleitch
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
It sounds like you're going through a pretty good thought process already. Alot of it's going to depend on the maker's demographic. If the violins are geared toward beginner to intermediate players, you're going to want a pretty basic website that is friendly to novice instrument buyers, where the instrument terminology is dumbed down a bit. If it's higher end instruments, then the site can be a bit more detailed in it's information, have lots of pictures of the manufacturing process, and all those details you're talking about, like wood sourcing and such, and the terminology can be a bit more geared to more experienced players. Now, if your friend makes a large range of instruments, then the site should probably be geared right from homepage to cater to both types of visitors.
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by Jimmy B
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Who'd buy a fiddle off a web site?
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by ...
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
"Re: Good Fiddle Makers?"
Posted on March 7th 2005 by Miss Lonelyhearts
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/6021#comment128403
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by Ben Steen
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
2 changes ~ http://www.paulbradleyviolins.ie/ http://www.vanzandtviolins.com/
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by Ben Steen
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
I think it depends on what sort of fiddle maker he is - if he makes purely traditional instruments, then all that is expected is a brochure type site - anyone who is interested will already know what woods are used and where they come from. There's no point in describing the wonderful materials and tools he uses if they are exactly the same materials and tools every other violin maker uses.
Other than pictures and prices, the one thing people will look for is information about the maker himself - where he trained, how long he's been going, who plays his instruments. If he's just starting out and doesn't have anything to brag about in this department then it is going to be a struggle. The only thing that seems to counteract a lack of reputation is low prices.
But if he does anything out of the ordinary - unusual woods, 5 strings, home-made varnish or whatever, that needs describing in detail, and strong reasons given to justify it. Even then, I wouldn't let it dominate the site, I'd try to keep things looking as traditional as possible. Violinists are by and large a very conservative bunch, and if the first thing they see on a site isn't an absolutely traditional looking violin, they are likely to think 'nutcase' and click away without looking any further.
One thing you can do is to put up a few pages of general violin information - history of the instrument, set-up and maintenance advice, etc. It won't sell any violins, but it gives you a chance to include lots of juicy keywords for google to find, which will help bring traffic to the site even if it doesn't generate sales directly.
On the multimedia side, be very wary of sound-clips - a clip of a good instrument professionally played might help a sale, but a clip of a poor sounding instrument (or even a good one poorly played) is guaranteed to put people off.
Avoid flashy animation and gimmicks - keep it simple and fast loading (and whatever you do don't put background music on it - nothing makes people click away from a site faster).
Good luck!
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by skreech
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
>> Who'd buy a fiddle off a web site?
Not many people. What some might do, if they want a new fiddle, is to look at the websites of various makers to get some idea of who could do a decent job for them.
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by DaveL35
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
llig -
There are plenty of people who would, especially if it's a beginner looking for a beginning instrument. Seriously, if you're a parent buying a beginning instrument for a child and you have limited to no access to a reputable dealer that can help you, and you don't know how to play one to find out if it's good, then what's wrong with buying from a website?
But keep in mind that having a website doesn't necessarily mean people are buying off the site, it could just be for brand recognition. Many makers have a website mainly for informational purposes, but also provide a list of dealers that carry the instruments.
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by Jimmy B
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Hi Jake,
What do you expect to see? If the person is a top maker, I would like sound files, with some very good players doing some greta things with a couple for simple tunes, if he sells violins as well then I would have different sound files.
I would list people who bought the instruments from your guy especially if they have made a name in music for themselves.
I would detail the string points of the product, whether that is tone or volume or something typical folksy.
I would go into the relative education and background of your guy and the important names that he went through building instruments. I would also mention prizes that the instrument maker has won (if any). If he enters competitions his name grows. Especially if he's successful.
I would then link to everyone who playss music to get him up high on Google and eep linking him, it will take about 6 months before it shows.
Regards
Shylock
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by Shylock
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
"hoping to build something a bit more in-depth..."
I would hope not to read meaningless phrases like this. Neither would I like animations or sound-files that play uninvited. Too much information is worse than too little on the home page. This site is an example of good. The BBC is an example of bad. Don't forget that the designer knows what is on there -- the newcomer is seeing it for the first time. I would like to see a selection of good quality pictures of his work in close-up, and information regarding his history. And whether he makes his own fittings and pegs or buys them in. A price list is helpful, as are likely waiting times, and whether he tailors instruments to the buyer's wishes. Sometimes when I see websites for the first time I am reminded of a railway station I once entered: there were signs everywhere for shops, cafes, lifts, carparks -- you name it. But what was missing was a big arrow and the words: To the Trains.
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by gam
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
look up Scott Hershey Violins. He has a nice site. He's a master maker over here in the States, and what you will find is info on his upcoming violin making classes, any local happenings of interest to the local musician community, what 's on at his shop like any well known players he's making instruments for
that sort of stuff in addition to the usual shop hours and location
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by Nate Ryan
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Good to provide some "bait" something that makes the site worth looking at, and coming back to, even if you're not buying right now. Pics, articles, etc.
Helen Michetschlager's site does this with photos of instruments in progress, (generally an excellent site.)
http://www.helenviolinmaker.com/
Goes without saying, NO streaming audio!!!
One problem is, it helps to be dead!
On a TV programme about the Philharmonia orchestra years ago a viola player was commissioning a viola and she was talking to the maker. He was saying how instruments often increase in value when the maker is dead. "How are you feeling?" she asked. He didn't get it and was clearly puzzled by the question!
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by TomB-R
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
">> Who'd buy a fiddle off a web site?"
When you are talking about custom instruments, the answer is practically everyone.
If you are looking for someone to make you a fiddle and I recommend someone to you, what's the first thing you are going to do? Look him up on the interweb. And if what you see on his website doesn't appeal to you, you probably won't even bother talking to him, you will just look else where.
Certainly no one buys a hand-made instrument sight unseen, there is normally at least one face to face meeting before the sale is made, but first contact is almost always through the website these days, so a good website is absolutely vital.
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by skreech
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Here's another ..... James Beatley: Dublin
http://www.beatley.ie/
Cheers
Dick
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by Ptarmigan
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
Fiddle making ~ pictures of the workshop, the maker, the making, the processes...and past instruments, finished works... Create something for more than just potential buyers, but also for those of all ages interested in the fine art of turning wood to music...
# Posted on February 19th 2010 by ceolachan
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
I think a series of pics of the glue shelf would be most appropriate.
Make sure your remove anything invented after 1600AD as this offends the fiddling family.
# Posted on February 20th 2010 by mcknowall
Re: Fiddle maker websites: What do you expect to see?
If you've got some happy customers, testimonials are nice or
just a list maybe like
Joe Dokes, Aberdeen Symphony
Jane Jones, U. of Whatever ...
# Posted on February 20th 2010 by Hup